Diagnostics with EtherCAT – Part 1
Besides features such as high performance or speed, the availability of network diagnostic tools is
extremely important when it comes to selecting a communication technology for industrial
environments. EtherCAT comprises a wide range of system-inherent diagnostic features which help
detect and locate system errors precisely.
Basically-speaking, the diagnostic features of a fieldbus should meet two general demands:
Fast response
The control system should be able to immediately detect an anomalous condition in the network, in
order to react as fast as possible and to prevent mechanical damage, loss of materials, or loss of
synchronicity within the application.
Precise analysis
The network should provide the controller with detailed status information, enabling the master
application to determine if errors are caused by EMC disturbances, by a hardware failure of a device, or
by a firmware behavior.
Due to its protocol properties and its slave structure, EtherCAT fulfills both requirements equally.
The EtherCAT frame: structure and processing
EtherCAT makes use of standard IEEE 802.3 Ethernet. The payload of EtherCAT frames transports a
variable number of so-called EtherCAT datagrams (Fig. 1).
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